Yop tips to keep pets calm on bonfire night

Dawn Renton

Pets at Home have some top tips for pet owners to minimise their dogs, cats and small furries anxiety during the fireworks season.

The retailer will be sharing top tips in store and via its social media channels, allowing customers to pass on advice to their fellow pet owners and raise awareness.

Pets at Home’s top tips include:

1. Create a safe place for your pet

Find a quiet part of your home and help your pet learn that this is an enjoyable and safe place to be. When the fireworks start, your pet should be allowed to go here and rest undisturbed. It’s worth purchasing a plug-in diffuser that releases a calming natural remedy to help de-stress your pet.

2. Provide distractions

Introduce your pet to a variety of toys to keep them entertained and distracted from the noise.

3. Let them be

Don’t try to coax them out of their hiding place; they will emerge when they feel relaxed and ready. You should also provide a litter tray in a private area for cats.

4. Stick to your normal routine

This will help your pets to feel more settled. However, do try to walk your dogs before the darkness sets in, as this is when fireworks are likely to be set off.

5. Keep your pets inside

Keep your pets safe indoors and secure all doors, windows and cat flaps to ensure they don’t run off. Make sure they are microchipped in case they manage to escape.

Your pet may act out of character when scared, but try not to worry about this unusual behaviour. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves or others.

7. Drown out the noise

Close all windows and curtains, turn up the TV volume slightly and play some music to drown out loud noise.

8. Provide cover for cages

Noise phobia affects all types of pets, so remember to cover up bird aviaries and cages with a thick blanket, ensuring that there is enough ventilation.

9. Protect pets that live outside

If your pets live outside, partly cover enclosures with blankets so that one area is covered and so they can still look out. Give your pets extra bedding so they can hide and burrow to help them feel safe.

10. Speak to an advisor

You can speak to your vet or the store team at your local Pets at Home store who can advise you on suitable calming products and techniques specific to your pet. In extreme cases, your vet may also refer you to a specialist vet who can advise on treating noise phobia through behavioural therapy.

For more advice log on to http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/bonfire-toptips

To view the top tips visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJQmXnZ5GQqr15EcOvvHKCHqA1ozUtAbL